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Steering Columns: Removal & Installation Lincoln LS I

Steering Column 1 illustration ~720 words

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.
CAUTIONDO NOT remove steering column, steering wheel and air bag module as an assembly from vehicle unless column is locked to prevent rotation, or lower end of steering shaft is wired in such a way to prevent steering wheel from rotating.

Removal

  1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable. Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-137461-S40444435432002030600000) . Ensure steering wheel is in straight-ahead position. Mark steering shaft at 12 o'clock position for installation reference. Remove driver-side air bag. Remove horn switch. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL»(ref-137461-S35389600662002030600000) . If contact assembly is to be reused, tape it to prevent rotation of contact assembly when removed. If rotated, clockspring could be damaged internally.
  2. Remove lower steering column shroud. Remove ignition switch panel. Remove headlight switch finish panel. Disconnect headlight switch electrical connectors. Remove steering column retaining nuts. Lower steering column. Remove instrument cluster finish panel.
  3. Disconnect automatic temperature control sensor. Remove upper column shroud. Disconnect hands free microphone electrical connector, if equipped. Disconnect column position sensor.
  4. Disconnect remaining clockspring electrical connectors. Release clockspring retaining clips. Separate clockspring connector assembly from steering column. Remove clockspring with multi-function switch. Cut tie strap. Disconnect electrical connector. Separate clockspring from multi-function switch.

Installation

  1. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Ensure steering shaft alignment mark is at 12 o'clock position. Install contact assembly.
  2. If installing original contact assembly, remove tape from contact assembly. If installing NEW contact assembly, remove plastic locking insert.
  3. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Connect positive battery cable. Connect negative battery cable. Check AIR BAG light for system faults.

Scheme 1

Scheme 1
Scheme 1
  1. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable and, wait one minute for backup power supply energy to deplete. Disable air bag system.
  2. Remove air bag module bolts from steering wheel. Remove air bag module from steering wheel, and disconnect clockspring electrical connector from module.
  3. Remove horn switch. Loosen steering wheel retaining bolt. Using Differential Bearing Cone Remover (T77F-4220-B1), remove and discard steering wheel retaining bolt.
  4. As wheel is removed, route contact assembly and cruise control/horn wiring harnesses through steering wheel.
  1. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Route contact assembly and cruise control/horn wiring harnesses through steering wheel opening at 3 o'clock position. Position steering wheel onto steering shaft, ensuring steering wheel and shaft alignment marks are aligned. Install NEW steering wheel bolt. Tighten bolt to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-137461-S27353845082002030600000) .
  2. Connect cruise control/horn switch electrical connector. Connect clockspring electrical connector to air bag module and install module. Connect positive battery cable. Connect negative battery cable. Check AIR BAG light for system faults.
  1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable. Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-137461-S40444435432002030600000). Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL»(ref-137461-S35389600662002030600000). Remove instrument cluster finish panel. Remove upper and lower steering column shrouds.
  2. If contact assembly is to be reused, tape it to prevent rotation of contact assembly when removed. If rotated, clockspring could be damaged internally. see scheme 1 Depress three retaining clips and position clockspring aside. Disconnect multifunction switch electrical connector. Remove multifunction switch.
  3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-137461-S27353845082002030600000).

Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Remove upper steering column shrouds. (Scheme 1) Remove hood release handle. Remove heater duct. Remove steering column cover reinforcement. Turn ignition to RUN. Using a flat-tipped screwdriver, depress ignition switch lock cylinder. Remove ignition switch lock cylinder. To install, reverse removal procedure.

  1. Place wheels in straight-ahead position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable. Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-137461-S40444435432002030600000) . Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL»(ref-137461-S35389600662002030600000) .
  2. Remove contact assembly. See «CONTACT ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING)»(ref-137461-S12205553502002030600000) . Remove and discard steering column shaft pinch bolt. Detach intermediate shaft from steering column.
  3. Disconnect electronic steering sensor and steering column motor harness connector. For vehicles equipped with automatic transmission, support steering column, remove and discard lock nuts and remove steering column.
  4. For vehicles equipped with manual transmission, support steering column and remove and discard lock nuts. Lower steering column. Disconnect steering wheel lock actuator electrical connector. Remove steering column.
  5. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all fasteners to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-137461-S27353845082002030600000) .
  1. Remove steering column. See «STEERING COLUMN»(ref-137461-S11809368572002030600000) . Place steering column in vice.
  2. Remove electronic sensor. Remove steering column release motor assemblies.
  3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-137461-S27353845082002030600000) .

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